Automated Locking System

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, and gaming machines having an automated locking system are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a gaming cabinet having a frame and a main gaming machine door, and a locking mechanism is configured to secure the main gaming machine door to the gaming cabinet frame. The gaming machine also includes a lock controller operatively connected to the locking mechanism and configured to control the release of the locking mechanism.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. ______, concurrently filed on Feb. 23, 2007, entitled AUTOMATEDLOCKING METHOD.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Generally, security is a very important concern for casinos. Typically,many casinos employ a wide variety of surveillance cameras to monitorthe activity of both casino patrons and employees. Furthermore, avariety of security devices are utilized to restrict access to and fromcertain areas of the casino.

Additionally, various security measures are used to protect the gamingdevices found on the casino floor. Traditionally, mechanical locks havebeen used to restrict access to the interior region of a gaming device.Commonly, the mechanical lock (or fastening device), may be released byinserting a key into the lock or by applying the correct combination torelease the lock. For example, to drop coins, bills, and coupons from agaming device, a casino employee is required to use mechanical keys toopen a particular door, remove a container, and close and lock the doorwith the key. This can be a cumbersome and time extensive task,especially when a casino employee needs to access more than one gamingdevice.

In some casino gaming systems, every gaming device has a unique key.Further, components within the gaming device, such as the coin or billbox may be secured by a fastening device and may require additional keysto release the lock on the fastening device. Therefore, the number ofkeys needed to access the various gaming machines and components withinthe gaming machines, can easily grow to a large number of keys.Additionally, in the case of a lost key or security breach, gamingdevices must be re-keyed. The task of re-keying machines can become veryexpensive and very time consuming.

What is needed is both a system and method to reduce the labor andimprove the security aspects of certain manual operations performed on agaming device.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to asystem and method and for automatically controlling the lockingmechanisms in a casino gaming system. According to one embodiment, thegaming machine includes a gaming cabinet having a frame and a maingaming machine door, and a locking mechanism is configured to secure themain gaming machine door to the gaming cabinet frame. The gaming machinealso includes a lock controller operatively connected to the lockingmechanism and configured to control the release of the lockingmechanism.

In addition to gaming machines, automated locking systems for use in acasino gaming system operatively connected via a network to a back endsystem are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the automatedlocking system includes one or more automated locking mechanismsoperatively connected to one or more gaming machines. The automatedlocking system also includes a means for receiving a request from a userto release one or more automated locking mechanisms, a means forauthenticating the user, and one or more processors are connected to theone or more automated locking mechanism. The processors control therelease of the one or more automated locking mechanisms.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of thevarious embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a gaming machine having an automatedlocking mechanism.

FIG. 2 is the interior perspective of a gaming machine having anautomated locking mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a casino gaming system for use inaccordance with an embodiment of the automated locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an automated locking systemfor controlling one or more locking mechanisms used in combination withvarious devices and components of a gaming system. Generally, locks areused to secure gaming machine doors to control access to the interior ofthe gaming machine. Traditionally, mechanical key and lock fasteningdevices have been employed to secure the gaming machine. Additionally,components and devices within the gaming machine, such as cash boxes,voucher boxes, and coin boxes may also be secured with mechanical keyand lock fastening devices. The systems and methods disclosed hereinprovide an automated locking system that removes the need for mechanicalkeys as the primary means for unlocking mechanical locking devices usedin connection with a gaming machine, or entire casino gaming system.Additionally, the automated locking system that may be used incombination with any access panel or door requiring secure access.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denotelike or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, moreparticularly to FIGS. 1-3, there are shown various embodiments of amethod and system directed to an automated locking system for use in acasino gaming system. Generally, the automated locking system includesthe use of one or more locking mechanisms that may be automaticallycontrolled. Referring to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 includes anautomated locking mechanism 30 to secure the main cabinet 16 of thegaming machine. More particularly, the main cabinet 16 includes a gamingmachine door 35 and a main housing 37, wherein the automated lockingmechanism 30 secures the gaming machine door 35 to the main housing 37.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the automated lockingmechanism 30 may be used to secure other devices and components, suchas, but not limited to cash boxes, bill boxes, coupon boxes, voucherboxes, server, CPU, hard drive, CD drive, memory chips, or any otherdevice or feature that would require a locking mechanism.

The automated locking mechanism 30 may be controlled by a processor (notshown). In one embodiment, the processor controls whether the automatedlocking mechanism 30 is in a “release mode” or in a “lock mode.” In oneembodiment, the automated locking mechanism 30 includes a first lockingcomponent 31 attached to the gaming machine door 35 and second lockingcomponent 33 connected to at least a portion of the main housing 37.When the automated locking mechanism 30 is in the lock mode, the firstlocking component 31 and the second locking component 33 are secured sothat gaming machine door 35 cannot be opened, thereby preventing accessto the interior region of the gaming machine 10. When the automatedlocking mechanism 30 is in the release mode, the first locking component31 is no longer secured to the second locking component 33, therebypermitting the gaming machine door 35 to be opened.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate, the automated lockingmechanism 30 may incorporate a variety of locking mechanisms. Forexample, in one embodiment, the automated locking mechanism 30 is a typeof electronic-mechanical locking mechanism that utilizes a solenoidbolt. In this example, a solenoid is used to throw the bolt.Additionally, some solenoid bolt locks use microprocessors to performvoltage regulation, reduce power consumption, and/or provide accesscontrol. In this example embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the automatedlocking mechanism 30 includes a solenoid bolt lock. The first lockingcomponent 31 serves as the front plate and is attached to the gamingmachine door 35. The second locking component 33 is attached to at leasta portion of the main housing 37 and serves as the counter plate.

In an alternate example embodiment, the automated locking mechanism 30incorporates a magnetic locking system. In this example, the firstlocking component 31 is an electromagnet and is attached to the gamingmachine door 35. The second locking component 33 is an armature plateand is attached to at least a portion of the main housing 37. When thegaming machine door 35 is closed and is in the lock mode, a currentpassing through the electromagnet locking component 31 attracts thearmature plate locking component 33, thereby holding the gaming machinedoor 35 shut. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the first lockingcomponent 31 is an armature plate and the second locking component 33 isan electromagnet.

Optionally, in yet another example embodiment, the automated lockingmechanism 30 includes an electric motor (not shown) that is used to movea deadbolt. A processor controls whether or not the lock (deadbolt) isreleased.

In an alternate embodiment, the automated locking mechanism 30 includesan electronic lock, which uses some form of electronics to authenticatethe user attempting to access control of the lock. Additionally, in oneembodiment the electronic lock includes additional features, such as theability to track and/or audit the number of successful and failed accessattempts. Optionally, in some embodiments, the electronic lock uses atwo-factor authentication (or dual factor authentication) protocol.Two-factor authentication is an authentication protocol that requirestwo independent mechanisms for authentication. For example, oneimplementation of two-factor authentication requires the use ofsomething the user would know (such as a password) and the use of eithersomething the user possesses (such as a physical device) or the use ofsomething that identifies the particular user (such as a biometric). Incontrast, traditional password authentication requires only oneauthentication factor (such as knowledge of a password) in order to gainaccess to a system.

A variety of authentication methods may be incorporated into theelectronic lock. In one embodiment, numerical codes, passwords orpass-phrases may be used for authentication. For example, an electroniclock may require entry of the correct code in order to release a lock. Adevice such as a keypad, or other user interface, may be provided toallow for entry of the pass code. Optionally, a user may enter the passcode on a wireless device such as, but not limited to, a PDA, cellularphone, or smart phone.

Alternately, security tokens may be used for authentication purposes.More particularly, a user may be required to scan or swipe a securitytoken such as a smart card, to release a lock. Optionally, a securitytoken may interact with a lock via wireless means. For example,infra-red, bluetooth, or radiofrequency data transfer methods can beused to send and receive data, thereby permitting access to a lock.

Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, biometrics are used in theauthentication process. Typically, biometrics refer to unique physicaland/or behavioral characteristics used to verify a personal identity.Examples of biometric data include, but are not limited to, retinalscans, iris scans, voice samples, fingerprints, facial patterns and handmeasurements.

Additionally, in an optional embodiment, a physical device may be usedin combination with biometrics. For example, a smart card my storeparticular user biometric data. In one example, the data stored on aparticular smart card includes the iris scan of a specific user. Whenthe user interacts his smart card with a card reader, the iris scan datais retrieved. Next, a device scans the user's iris and compares the newiris scan with the stored iris scan data from the smart card. If the twoiris scans are determined to match, then the user is authenticated.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the security token orsmart card may store any type of personal data and is not limited toiris scans.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, the main cabinet 16 of the gamingmachine 10 is a self-standing unit that is generally rectangular inshape. In other embodiments, the cabinet (not shown) may be a slant-top,bar-top, or table-top style cabinet. However, any shaped cabinet may beused with any embodiment of the gaming machine 10 and sized for a playerto be able to sit or stand while playing a game. Additionally, thecabinet 16 may be manufactured with reinforced steel or other rigidmaterials that are resistant to tampering and vandalism. Optionally, inan alternate embodiment, the gaming machine 10 may instead be acinema-style gaming machine (not shown), as disclosed in U.S.application Ser. No. 11/225,827, entitled “Ergonomic Gaming Cabinet,”filed on Sep. 12, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, the main cabinet 16 houses a game management unit(not shown) that includes a CPU, circuitry, and software for receivingsignals from the player-activated buttons 18 and a handle 19, operatingthe games, and transmitting signals to the respective game display 12and speakers 21.

The game display 12 is a viewing area that presents one or more games ofchance such as, but not limited to, mechanical slots, video slots, videopoker, video blackjack, video keno, video roulette, or Class II bingo.In alternate embodiments, the game display 12 may present games of skillor games of chance involving various levels of player skill. In otherembodiments, the display 12 is a video display such as, but not limitedto, a CRT (cathode ray tube), or a thin-panel display. Examples ofthin-panel displays include plasma, LCD (liquid crystal display),electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent, field emission, or any othertypes of thin panel displays known or developed in the art.Additionally, the video picture may be presented in either a portrait orlandscape orientation and utilize standard or widescreen dimensions.Optionally, the game display 12 may also include a touch screen or touchglass system (not shown).

The plurality of player-activated buttons 18 may be used for numerousfunctions such as, but not limited to, selecting a wager denomination,selecting a number of games to be played, selecting a wager amount pergame, initiating a game, or cashing out money from the gaming machine10. The buttons 18 function as input mechanisms and may includemechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons or touch screen buttons.Optionally, handle 19 may be “pulled” by a player to initiate a game.

Referring to FIG. 2, an interior perspective of the gaming machine 10 isshown. The gaming machine 10 may include one or more devices thatrequire a locking mechanism. Such devices, include, but are not limitedto cash boxes, bill boxes, coupon boxes, voucher boxes, printer, CPU,hard drive or other memory devices, CD or DVD drive, or any othercomponents know to those skilled in the art to require secure lockingmechanism. In one example embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes acomponent 40 having an automated locking mechanism 50 and a component 42having an automated locking mechanism 52. In one embodiment thecomponent 42 may be a coin box which requires the use of a securelocking mechanism 52. In this example, the locking mechanism 52 is anautomated locking mechanism that may be controlled without the use ofphysical keys.

In addition to automated locking systems, various methods of using theautomated locking systems are disclosed herein. According to one method,a casino attendant needs to service a particular gaming machine 10. Thecasino attendant inserts his ID card into the gaming machine card reader20. A user interface (not shown) prompts the casino attendant to enterhis service request. For example, in one embodiment, the display screen12 is a touch-screen display, and the casino attendant enters, orselects, “open main door” as his service request. Next, the casinoattendant enters his personal identification number (PIN) that isassociated with the ID card. If the entered PIN is the correct codeassociated with the inserted ID card, then the processor triggers therelease of the automated locking mechanism 30, thereby allowing thecasino attendant to physically open the main gaming machine door 35 andaccess the interior region of the gaming machine 10.

In an optional embodiment, after the casino attendant enters his PIN,the main gaming machine door 35 automatically swings opens. In eitherexample, once the casino attendant has completed servicing the gamingmachine 10, the gaming machine door 35 is locked by closing the door,such that the first locking mechanism 31 latches securely with thesecond locking mechanism 33. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, thecasino attendant must specifically request that the automated lockingmechanism return to a locked mode. Additionally, the casino attendantuses the same ID card to unlock and access other gaming machines in thesame manner described above.

Alternately, according to another method, the casino attendant uses ahandheld device (not shown) to access one or more gaming machines 10.For example, in the above described scenario, the handheld device mayserve as a user interface. More particularly, if the casino attendantneeds to service a particular gaming machine 10, the casino attendantmay enter his request on the handheld device. The entry may requireidentification of the particular gaming machine 10 requiring service andthe specific service request. For example, the casino attendant mayenter a specific identification code associated with the particulargaming machine and then may enter an action, such as “open gamingmachine door.” The casino attendant may then be required to provideadditional information for authentication purposes. In another method,the casino attendant may simply aim the handheld device at the specificgaming machine required for service. The handheld device may thenwirelessly transmit an action request to the gaming machine 10. Ineither example, once it is determined the casino attendant haspermission to access the particular gaming machine, the automatedlocking mechanism will release the lock, thereby allowing entry into theparticular gaming machine 10. Additionally, a handheld device may alsobe used to control access to locked components within the gaming machine10. For example, a handheld device may be used to access a cashbox 42.

In another optional embodiment, a handheld device is used in combinationwith biometric authentication. For example, once a casino attendantenters his desired action, (e.g., open gaming machine door), thehandheld device may prompt the casino attendant for further identifyinginformation such as, but not limited to, a fingerprint. In oneembodiment, the handheld device may require the user (e.g., casinoattendant) to enter a fingerprint sample on a scanning area provided onthe handheld device. The received fingerprint sample will then becompared to a previously stored fingerprint sample. If the samplesmatch, the user is authenticated.

In another embodiment, the automated locking system employs multipleautomated locking mechanisms in a casino gaming system. Referring now toFIG. 3, a casino gaming system 100 is illustrated. The casino gamingsystem 100 comprises one or more gaming machines 10. In variousembodiments, any of the gaming machines 10 may be any type of electronicor mechanical gaming devices, such as, but not limited to, a mechanicalreel spinning slot machine, video slot machine, video poker machine,keno machine, video blackjack machine, or a gaming machine offering oneor more of the above-described games. Examples include, but are notlimited to, the S6000 mechanical reel spinner and the Alpha video slotmachine from Bally Gaming. Additionally, one or more automated lockingmechanisms (not shown) are connected to one or more components of thecasino gaming system 100, including one or more gaming machines 10.Further, one or more of the gaming machines 10 may comprise one or moredata repositories for storing data. Examples of information stored bythe gaming machines 10 include, but are not limited to, accounting data,maintenance history information, short and/or long-term play data,real-time play data, and sound data. The sound data may include, but isnot limited to, audio files, sound clips, wav files, mp3 files and soundfiles saved in various other formats. Furthermore, each gaming machine10 comprises an audio system (not shown) for outputting sound.

The gaming machines 10 are connected via a network to a network bridge120, which is used for networking, routing and polling gaming machines,including slot machines. The network bridge 120 connects to a back endsystem 112. Optionally, the gaming machines 10 may connect to thenetwork via a network rack 122, which provides for a few number ofconnections to the back end system 112. Both network bridge 120 andnetwork rack 122 may be classified as middleware, and facilitatecommunications between the back end system 112 and the gaming machines10. The network bridges 120 and network rack 122 may comprise datarepositories for storing network performance data. Such performance datamay be based on network traffic and other network related information.Optionally, the network bridge 120 and the network rack 122 may beinterchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a casinogaming system may comprise only network bridges and no network racks.Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino gaming system maycomprise only network racks and no network bridges. Additionally, in analternative embodiment, a casino gaming system may comprise anycombination of one or more network bridges and one or more networkracks.

The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or moreservers. The type of server employed is generally determined by theplatform and software requirements of the gaming system. In oneembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the back end system 112 isconfigured to include three servers: a slot floor controller 114, acasino management server 116 and a casino database 118. The slot floorcontroller 114 is a part of the player tracking system for gatheringaccounting, security and player specific information. The casinomanagement server 116 and casino database 118 work together to store andprocess information specific to both employees and players. Playerspecific information includes, but is not limited to, passwords,biometric identification, player card identification, and biographicdata. Additionally, employee specification information may includebiographic data, biometric information, job level and rank, passwords,authorization codes and security clearance levels.

Overall, the back end system 112 performs several fundamental functions.For example, the back end system 112 can collect data from the slotfloor as communicated to it from other network components, and maintainthe collected data in its database. The back end system 112 may use slotfloor data to generate a report used in casino operation functions.Examples of such reports include, but are not limited to, accountingreports, security reports, and usage reports. The back end system 112may also pass data to another server for other functions. Alternatively,the back end system 112 may pass data stored on its database to floorhardware for interaction with a game or game player. For example, datasuch as a game player's name or the amount of a ticket being redeemed ata game may be passed to the floor hardware. Additionally, the back endsystem 112 may comprise one or more data repositories for storing data.Examples of types of data stored in the system server data repositoriesinclude, but are not limited to, information relating to individualplayer play data, individual game accounting data, gaming machineaccounting data, cashable ticket data, and sound data including optimumaudio outputs for various casino settings.

In one embodiment of the automated locking system, an employee card isrequired to access a gaming machine 10. For example, a casino operatoror attendant inserts an identification card into a card slot on a gamingmachine 10. Typically, the identification card has a magnetic stripe tohold an identifying data specific to the attendant. Alternatively, theidentification card may be a ‘smart card’ or electronic button havingintegrated circuits for storage and processing of user data. Optionally,the casino gaming system 100 may require authentication of the user. Inone example embodiment, the casino operator must enter a password. Theentered password may be sent through the casino gaming system 100 to theback end system 112 to verify and authenticate the user (e.g. casinooperator). Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the authenticationprocess may incorporate biometrics. For example, the casino operator maybe required to submit a fingerprint sample, or other biometric typesample in addition to using an identification card. The back end systemmay store records of previously obtained employee biometric data, suchas fingerprint samples, partial fingerprint samples, iris scans, etc. Atthe time an employee, such as a casino operator, attempts to service agaming machine 10, an additional biometric sample is obtained. Theadditional obtained sample is then transmitted via the network to theback end system 112 for comparison with the originally obtainedbiometric sample. If the samples match, the employee's identity isauthenticated, and the employee may proceed with servicing the gamingmachine 10.

In another example embodiment, a drop crew must replace the cash boxesfrom a row of twenty-four gaming machines 10. Each cash box (not shown)is located within the interior of a gaming machine 10 and is secured byits own locking mechanism. A supervisor inserts her ID card into agaming machine 10 at the front of the row of gaming machines. Next, thesupervisor enters the desired task activity on a user interface.Specifically, for this example, the supervisor would select or enter“drop this row” as the desired entry, and then would be required toenter her PIN. The entered PIN is evaluated to determine whether iscorresponds to the inserted ID card. If, the correct PIN was entered, aprocessor would initiate the release, or unlocking, of the cash boxlocking mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, each of lockingmechanisms for the cash boxes in the row of twenty-four gaming machineswould simultaneously release. Alternately, in another embodiment, oneach gaming machine, the locking mechanism secures an access panel tothe cash box. Once the processor has authenticated the user and approvedthe “row drop” request, the access panels to the cash boxes release atspecific time intervals. For example, the access panel may release atthree second intervals, one at a time to give the drop crew a consistentflow of removing the cashbox from the open panel, and replacing it withan empty one. After replacing each cashbox, the casino attendant closesthe access panel, which would automatically “lock” the panel securelyshut. In this example, the drop process is efficiently and timelyexecuted, thereby resulting in a consistent drop process. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that any predetermined time interval may beutilized.

Alternately, in an optional embodiment, the supervisor may be requiredto submit a biometric sample in addition to the password. Optionally,the supervisor may be required to submit a biometric sample instead of apassword.

In another example, representing an optional embodiment, a wirelesshandheld is utilized. For example, referring to the above describedembodiment, the supervisor uses a handheld device to perform the “droprow” task. The handheld device includes a user interface for interactingwith a supervisor or other use. The supervisor selects the desired rowof gaming machines from the handheld device and authorizes the drop.Additionally, in an optional embodiment, the supervisor may be requiredto enter a PIN or password before the drop is allowed. Furthermore, thehandheld device permits the drop to be performed without requiring inputfrom a gaming machine user interface.

Optionally, in another embodiment, the user must submit biometricinformation to verify his identity. For example, a casino employeewanting to gain access to a locked component is required to utilize aphysical device, such as, but not limited to a key card and then furthersubmit biometric data that authenticates the user.

Additionally, in another embodiment, a manual override feature isprovided for use with the locking system. For example, in the case ofsystem unavailability, a physical key unlocking mechanism may beincluded to operate in conjunctions with the automated locking system.This mechanism allows an operator to unlock a gaming machine's main doorin case of system unavailability or electronic failure. From inside themain door, other doors and/or panels may be mechanically unlocked. Evenwith the addition of a mechanical lock, there would not be the need forso many sets of keys. They would also not be used most of the time.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimedinvention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made to the claimed inventionwithout following the example embodiments and applications illustratedand described herein, and without departing from the true spirit andscope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

1. A gaming machine, comprising: a gaming cabinet having a frame and amain gaming machine door; a locking mechanism configured to secure themain gaming machine door to the gaming cabinet frame; a lock controlleroperatively connected to the locking mechanism and configured to controlthe release of the locking mechanism; and a receiving device forreceiving a request to release the locking mechanism, wherein thereceiving device transmits the request to the lock controller.
 2. Thegaming machine of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is anelectronic-mechanical locking mechanism including a solenoid bolt lock.3. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism furthercomprises an electromagnet and an armature plate.
 4. The gaming machineof claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises an electricmotor that extends and retracts a deadbolt.
 5. The gaming machine ofclaim 1, wherein the lock controller further comprises a two-factorauthentication protocol to verify the identity of a user attempting toaccess the locking mechanism, wherein the two-factor authenticationprotocol requires the user to provide two types of information selectedfrom the group consisting of a password, pass-code, security token, orbiometric information.
 6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein thereceiving device further comprises a means for obtaining biometric datafrom a user, keypad, touchscreen, touchpad, a smart-card reader,infrared port, radiofrequency port, or a combination thereof.
 7. Thegaming machine of claim 6, wherein the receiving device furthercomprises a display in communication with the receiving device.
 8. Thegaming machine of claim 1, further comprising one or more componentslocated within the gaming cabinet, wherein the components are secured byautomated locking mechanisms.
 9. An automated locking system for usewith a casino gaming system having one or more gaming machinesoperatively connected via a network to a back end system, the automatedlocking system comprising: one or more automated locking mechanismsoperatively connected to one or more gaming machines; a means forreceiving a request from a user to release one or more automated lockingmechanisms; a means for authenticating the user; and one or moreprocessors connected to the one or more automated locking mechanism,wherein the one or more processors control the release of the one ormore automated locking mechanisms.
 10. The automated locking system ofclaim 9, wherein automated locking mechanisms secure a main gamingmachine door and one or more components within the gaming machine. 11.The automated locking system of claim 9, wherein the automated lockingmechanism is an electronic-mechanical locking mechanism including asolenoid bolt lock.
 12. The automated locking system of claim 9, whereinthe automated locking mechanism further comprises an electromagnet andan armature plate.
 13. The automated locking system of claim 9, whereinthe automated locking mechanism further comprises an electric motor thatextends and retracts a deadbolt.
 14. The automated locking system ofclaim 9, wherein the authenticating means further comprises a two-factorauthentication protocol to verify the identity of a user attempting toaccess the locking mechanism, wherein the two-factor authenticationprotocol requires the user to provide two types of information selectedfrom the group consisting of a pass-code, security token, or biometricinformation.
 15. The gaming machine of claim 9, wherein the receivingmeans further comprises a smart-card reader, a means for obtainingbiometric data from the user, keypad, touchscreen, touchpad, infraredport, radiofrequency port, or a combination thereof.
 16. The gamingmachine of claim 15, wherein the receiving means further comprises adisplay in communication with the receiving device.